Bladder Meridian
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BL-11
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic), Shoulder
Location
On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Expels Wind and firms the Exterior
- Nourishes Bone
- Descends the Lung Qi
Indications
Commentary
Dazhui BL-11 is a very important point with various functions.
First of all, as the Sea of Blood point, it nourishes the Blood, but mainly on the body surface such as the space between the skin and muscles (腠理 Cou Li). Therefore it is able to strengthens this space against Wind Invasion with Tonifying Needle method or direct moxa. Thus it treats allergies such as chronic rhinitis or prevents common cold.
The function of Dazhu BL-11 is similar to the formula of Gui Zhi Tang, which reinforces the Nutritive Qi to expels Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold as well as firms the Exterior. In this case, Reducing Needling method or cupping should be applied.
Secondly, it is the Gathering-Hui point for Bones. Thus it nourishes the bones and promotes bone formation in children as well as prevent bone degeneration in the elderly. It can also treat bone deformities in chronic arthritis or general muscle pain caused by Painful Obstructions Syndrome from Wind.
Thirdly, Dazhu BL-11 regulates and descends the Lung Qi, especially in the beginning stage of Wind invasion. Typical symptoms include coughing, breathlessness and feeling of chest fullness.
This point has other names such as 'Dashu' (Big Transporting), 'Beishu' (Back Transporting) and Bailao (one hundred fatigues). The first two names indicate its ability to influence all the Back Transporting-Shu points and strengthen the back.
The third name indicates the point's tonifying effect for chronic Blood or Yin Deficiency.
Classical Sources
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 45: "骨会大杼" (The bones gather at Dazhu) - This establishes BL-11 as one of the Eight Hui-Gathering Points, specifically the Influential Point of Bone, making it the primary point for all bone-related disorders.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 33: Lists Dazhu as a Point of the Sea of Blood, indicating its function in nourishing blood particularly at the body surface and space between skin and muscles (Cou Li).
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Records that Dazhu is where the Bladder, Small Intestine, San Jiao, Gallbladder channels and the Governing Vessel meet, explaining its broad therapeutic applications.
How to Locate
First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which is still palpable when the neck is being flexed and extended, while the 6th cervical vertebra (C6) starts to slide anteriorly and gradually disappears. The spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1) is one spinous process below C7. Dazhui BL-11 is 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of T1. Taodao DU-13 is on the same level.
Caution
Risk of pneumothorax with perpendicular or deep needling. Always needle obliquely toward the spine or transversely. Avoid perpendicular insertion. The pleura lies beneath this point, particularly at the first intercostal space. Special care required in thin patients where the chest wall is closer to the surface. Deep perpendicular needling in the wrong direction carries substantial risk of causing pneumothorax.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely towards the spine. Or 1 to 1.5 cun transversely towards the spine. This method applied more often as it allows the patients to lie in a supine position easily during needling retention. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching or distension spreading across the upper back and toward the shoulder region. Some patients may experience a sensation radiating along the spine or into the scapular area. Deqi is typically moderate in intensity.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Bone
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Blood
Position:
Upper Point
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